Social assistance caseload down, employment up for province

The social assistance caseload decreased in November, bringing numbers to the lowest level since the early 1990s.

According to the Department of Human Resources and Employment, the social assistance caseload for November was 28,164 while the number of actual recipients dipped to 52,171. The caseload numbers have been decreasing for most of 2001. The last time a similar number was recorded was in October 1992 when the caseload stood at 28,390 with 60,081 recipients. 

"This is a decrease of approximately 1,040 cases as compared to the same time period last year in which the caseload was 29,204 in November 2000, " said Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "What is significant about this decreasing trend is our employment numbers have been increasing at the same time, indicating an improving labour market contributes to increased opportunities for persons who would otherwise need to rely on social assistance."

According to the latest Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, employment in the province increased 2.3 per cent or 4,700 jobs this past November, as compared to November 2000. In nine of the 11 months to date in 2001, record monthly employment levels have been set. It is expected Newfoundland and Labrador will set a new record in employment in 2001 with an average of about 211,000, overriding the former high of 207,400 set in 1990.

"A rise in employment, changing demographics and migration patterns along with active measures by government to increase opportunities for people to prepare for and re-enter the work force have all contributed to a social assistance caseload that is at its lowest level in almost a decade," said Minister Smith. "While we still have economic challenges in particular geographic areas, these positive numbers indicate we are developing the right approach in addressing these challenges."

Media contact: Paul Power, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2001 12 10                          4:20 p.m.